A healthy environment for the Salem Sound watershed towns of Marblehead, Salem, Beverly, Peabody, Danvers, and Manchester has been at the heart of Salem Sound Coastwatch’s work from its founding. Learn what we’ve achieved so far and what now threatens our coastal water quality. Barbara Warren will begin by describing how our waters have become cleaner and safer since 1990. Rebecca Dupont-Coutu will share the challenges of aging infrastructure, sewer backups, and illicit connections to the stormwater drain system. Finally, Susan Marsh will explain how Salem Sound Coastwatch monitors beach water quality every summer and how you can contribute to this important effort at the beaches you love!

You can register to join in-person or via Zoom at tinyurl.com/coastal-water. Sponsored by Salem Sound Coastwatch & Abbot Public Library. All lectures are free and open to the public.

Barbara Warren is Salem Sound Coastwatch’s Executive Director for the past 20 years. She has developed and implemented many citizen-scientist programs including Clean Beaches and Streams, Tributary Water Sampling and Adopt a Beach.

Rebecca Dupont-Coutu is Senior Project Scientist and Certified Stormwater Manager at New England Civil Engineering. She is also the Salem Sound Coastwatch Board President.

Susan Marsh is the Community Engagement Manager at Salem Sound Coastwatch and the Program Manager for the Clean Beaches & Streams bacterial water monitoring. A long-time Salem resident, former architect, and Salem Public School science teacher, Susan volunteered with SSCW for over 30 years before joining the staff.